Christmas tree base



0. TROGDON CHRISTMAS TREE BASE 'Marcfi 3, 1953 2 SHEETSSHEET 1 Filed Jan. 20, 1951 W N W M 5 r V. r NW 2 .Y

March 3, 1953 o. TROGDON CHRISTMAS TREE BASE 2 SHEETSSHEET 2 Filed Jan. 20, 1951 //\/v/vro2 Oz. IN Taosoo/v By W QM flrrozz/vsv Patented Mar. 3, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CHRISTMAS TREE BASE Olin Trogdon, Hudson, Ohio Application January 20, 1951, Serial No. 206,982

7 Claims.

This invention relates to a mounting base for supporting and holding in upright position a pole or pole-like structure such as the trunk of a Christmas tree. The invention embodies a flexible base formed of crossed spring like members on which are carried a pair of brackets adjustable in respect to those members to grip the lower end of the pole or tree trunk as the case may be, taking advantage of the tendency of the base members to bend downwardly centrally under the load of the tree, whereby the brackets carried by those members tend to tilt inwardly by their upper ends to increase a gripping action on the pole or trunk.

Furthermore the invention embodies a selfleveling feature due to the elasticity and bending action of the cross members, also at the same time contributing to an anti-skid control of the stand on a floor.

With these features constituting advantages and purposes of the invention, kept in mind, one particular form of the invention is herein described in reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a view in top plan of a structure embodying the invention with a lower section of a tree trunk clamped thereon;

Fig. 2 is a view in inside elevation of one of the clamps on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a view in top plan of the bracket;

Fig. 4. is a view in vertical section on the line 4-4 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section on the line 55 in Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 is a view in inside elevation of a second clamp;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal transverse section on the line 'l! in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a view in top plan in fragmentary showing of the intersecting of the cross members with the brackets installed thereon.

I provide a base made out of two identically shaped bars [9 and II, herein shown as in the nature of lengths of strap iron. Each of these bars I0 and II is provided with a foot, Fig. 5, generally designated by the numeral l2 wherein there is a length l3 of the bar turned downwardly and outwardly to a lower bend l4 from which the bar continues upwardly'by a short terminal end [5. This foot l2 in each instance serves as means to space the bars [0 and II throughout their major lengths upwardly from the floor or other substance upon which the stand is to be positioned.

In each case, the bars l0 and II is centrally 2 drilled to receive therethrough a bolt l6. These bars I0 and H are normally positioned to be at right angles to each other as indicated in Fig. 1.

A pair of brackets generally indicated by the numerals l1 and I8 are provided to be carried by these [0 and I l.

The bracket I! is provided with two fiat plate portions l9 and 20 lying approximately in a common plane, and separated by an intervening integral V-shaped portion 2| which is composed of the wings 22 and 23, Fig. 6, pressed outwardly from between those portions I9 and 29. That is these portions 22 and 23 define a V in cross sec tion as indicated in Fig. 7. The portions l9 and 20 are carried below the lower end of the V portion 2|, Fig. 6, to have opposing fingers 24 and 25 extending one toward the other as continuations of the lower ends of the portions 19 and 2 to be in the same plane therewith. The top ed es 26 and 21 respectively of these fingers 24 and 25 are spaced below the bottom edge 28 of the V portion 2| as indicated in Fig. 6.

This lower edge 28 however is not in a straight line, but dips down to the central point 29. That is this point 29 is lower than are junctions of the portions 22 and 23 with the portions l9 and 20 as at 30 and 3|.

This bracket I1 is engaged with one of the bars l0 and II herein shown as with the bar H. In this case the bar It! crosses over the top of the bar II. The bar II is passed through the space under the edge 28 and over the fingers 24 and 25 to bring it in some such position as indicated in Fig. 5. The bracket is then in contact with the top side of the bar H at the point 29, and in contact with the underside of the bar I I by the edges 26 and 21 of the fingers 24 and 25.

The bracket 18 is formed to have two portions 32 and 33 flat in nature and in the same plane, with an intervening fold into a V-shape as defined by the portions 34 and 35 bending from the portions 32 and 33 to the apex bend 36. The portions 32 and 33 each carry respectively the inturned feet 3'! and 38, fiat and in the same plane, to extend one toward the other and terminate by the spaced edges 39 and 49, these edges being positioned as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3. The spacing apart of the edges 39 and 49 is less than the transverse width of either of the bars H] or H. The lower edge 4! extending across the bottoms of the portions 34 and 35 is not in a straight line, but dips down toward the bend 36 to form a lower point 42 which is at a level at or slightly below the under faces of the feet 31 and 38 as best indicated in Figs-2 and 4. I

The bracket I8 is placed on the top side of the bar II, Fig. 8, and has its inner end portions of the feet 3! and 38 resting on the top side of the bar II with the point 42 also in contact therewith. The bolt I6 is straddled by the inner edges 39 and 40 of the feet 31 and 38 so that the bracket I8 may be advanced or retracted along the bar II in reference to the cross bar I0. The feet 31 and 38 are engaged under bar I and over the bar II.

Thus the brackets I1 and I8 may be suitably adjusted longitudinally of the bar II to secure the required spacing apart therebetween so as to receive the lower end of the tree trunk, for ex-. ample, designated by the numeral 45 therebetween to be gripped by those brackets at the-outward bends of the V portions 2| of the brackets I! and 36 of the bracket I8.

Due to the weight or load of the tree trunk,

45, the tendency will be for the bars I0 and II to bend downwardly between their outer end feet I2, these bars I0 and I I being purposely made to be flexible and to bend slightly accordingly accordingto the load, without the end of the bolt I6 coming into contact with the supporting floor. The brackets I! and I8 are initially pushed up against theopposite sides of the member 45 to bring theminto snug, holding conditions. The weightof the member 45 bending the bars IBand II cause the upper ends of the brackets I1 and mm leaninwardly by reason of that bending action, since thepoints Hand 42 are spaced outwardly from theoentral portions of the bars. This causes theupper end portions of the brackets; Il-and I8 to bear-more snugly against an upper portion of the member 45 to increase the gripping action accordingly.

The two brackets I1 and I8 may be interengagedin a clamping actionby means of bolts 41 and48 passing through the perspective portions I9 and 20 of the bracket I1, and 32 and 33 of the bracket I8, such as by extending through the holes 49, 50 and I, 52 therein respectively. The use of these clamp bolts Hand 48 does notinterfere-with-the additional clamping effect of the upper end portionsof-the brackets IIand I8 due to the tendency of the members In and H to bow downwardly under load.

Furthermore, by reason of the flexibility of these members I0 and II, the feet I2 will adjust themselves to-be in firm contact with the floor, and furthermore by 'reason of the outwardly inclined sections I3at each of the feet I2, there will be a tendency for the contacting portions I4 to ,gripin effect the floor so as to resist skidding along over the floor should the base be accidentally struck.

The-bolt I6 carries a wing nut preferably, des ignated by the numeral 53 so that the bars I0 and II may be securely clamped in the crossed positions to engage the feet 31 and 38 therebetween after the initial adjustment is had of the bracket I8 in reference to spacing from the bracket I1. Also the nut 53 may be released when the base is to be demounted and stored.

Therefore, while I have shown herein my invention in the one particular form an described it in minute detail, it is obvious that structural variations-may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I therefore do not desire to be limited to that precise form beyond the limitations which may be imposed by the following claims.

I claim:

1. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical alignment comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned of each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having an approximately centrally located hole therein; a bolt to pass through said holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a vertically disposed position whereby the margin of the lower side of said bracket opening bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar at a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lower portion; said foot means having a slot to receive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to be spaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween.

2. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical alignment comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned on each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having'an approximately centrally-located hole therein; a bolt to pass throughsald holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a vertically disposed position whereby the margin of the lower-side of said bracket opening bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar at a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lower portion; said foot means having a slot toreceive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to bespaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween; said foot means being clamped between said bars at their crossing by said bolt.

3. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical alignment comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned on each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having an approximately centrallylocated hole therein; a bolt to pass through said holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a vertically disposed position whereby the margin of the lower side of said bracket openings bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar at a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lower portion; said foot means having a slot to receive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to be spaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween; each, of said brackets consisting of a generally flat plate with a centrally and vertically disposed outwardly extending V depression; and said bearing point in each instance being at the apex of the depression.

4. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical alignment comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned on each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having an approximately centrally located hole therein; a bolt to pass through said holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a vertically disposed position whereby the margin of the lower side of said bracket opening bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lower portion; said foot means having a slot to receive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to be spaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween; said first bracket being generally a flat plate having a centrally and vertically disposed V extension from its outer face, the lower end of the extension terminating above the lower edge of the plate, and a pair of legs extending one toward the other and substantially within the plane of the plate, the upper edges of said legs being spaced below said extension end to constitute said opening margin.

5. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical alignment comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned on each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having an approximately centrally located hole therein; a bolt to pass through said holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a vertically disposed position whereby the margin of the lower side of said bracket opening bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar at a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lower portion; said foot means having a slot to receive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to be spaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween; said first bracket being generally a fiat plate having a centrally and vertically disposed V extension from its outer face, the lower end of the extension terminating above the lower edge of the plate, and a pair of legs extending one toward the other and substantially within the plane of the plate, the upper edges of said legs being spaced below said extension end to constitute said opening margin; said first bracket bearing point being located at the central point of said extension lower end.

6. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical aligmnent comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned on each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having an approximately centrally located hole therein; a bolt to pass through said holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a vertically disposed position whereby the margin of the lower side of said bracket opening bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar at a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lower portion; said foot means having a slot to receive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to be spaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween; said bars being characterized by an elastic downwardly bending action between their feet under weight of said pole-like member to cause said brackets to tend to rock by their upper ends one toward the other.

7. A base stand for supporting a pole-like member in substantially vertical alignment comprising a pair of resilient bars; a foot downturned on each of the outer end portions of each bar; said bars having an approximately centrally located hole therein; a bolt to pass through said holes to maintain the bars in criss-crossed relation; a bracket having a lower opening to receive one of said bars therethrough; a bearing point on said bracket spaced outwardly from vertical alignment with said bracket opening, said point being located to bear on said one bar upon positioning said bracket in approximately a verticall disposed position whereby the margin of the lower side of said bracket opening bears against the underside of said one bar and said point bears on the top side of the bar at a distance removed from said margin bearing outwardly from said bar hole; and a second bracket; foot means extending substantially at right angles to the second bracket from its lowerportion; said foot means having a slot to receive said bolt therein; and a bearing point carried by said second bracket positioned at the lower end of the bracket to be not higher on the bracket than the plane of the underside of'said foot means; whereby said two brackets may be positioned along said one bar to be spaced apart to clamp said pole-like member therebetween;

said bars being elastic to sink centrally under 1 load of said pole-like member; said feet being down and outturned end portions of the bars; said-central sinking of the bars causing said feet 8 each to bear on a floor support and to rock outwardly the feet to tend to spread them apart. OLIN TROGDON.

5 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 0 Number Name Date 1,117,158 Bernatz et a1 Nov. 17, 1914 2,416,435 Carlbert Feb. 25, 1947 2,485,233 Cima Oct. 18, 1949 

